Milton Keynes 'dearest dad' tribute to fatal stabbing victim

Calvin Olawale Babatunde was found with a stab wound to the neck

The family of a man who was stabbed to death in Milton Keynes have thanked him for being "a remarkable, inspiring role model for us to look up to".

Calvin Olawale Babatunde, 48, was found in a building in Fen Street on 25 January and died at the scene.

Jay Lupton, 24, of Fen Street, has been charged with his murder.

In a tribute beginning "My Dearest Dad", the family said his death was a "senseless act of violence that you of all people didn't deserve".

"Thank you for the optimism, positivity, kindness, friendliness, love, laughter and care you brought to everyone's lives," the statement added.

"Thank you for teaching us to live life with joy, kindness, courage and patience."

'Forever young'

The tribute, issued via Thames Valley Police, continued: "We are in so much pain that you have been taken away from us in such a manner, at such a young age.

"There will never be another person like you; your influence in our lives will live on forever, and so will your aura.

"I strive to honour you through how I live my own life, keeping your kind soul forever young."

Last week, Luton Crown Court heard Mr Lupton was to have a mental health assessment after failing to appear in the dock.

A provisional trial date was set for 15 July.

Thames Valley Police had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), due to recent contact with Mr Babatunde.

On Friday, the IOPC said the force should investigate whether its officers took appropriate action to safeguard him.

The investigation would then be reviewed by the IOPC, it added.